Gulf Coast (Perkinston, MS) CC K Stephen Brauchle has picked up his first offer of the year. FIU became the first program to extend an offer to the talented kicker.

"It feels good to get the first offer," he said.

Brauchle is in his first year at Gulf Coast after a standout career at Gulfport (MS) High. A full qualifier out of high school, he is not required to graduate from junior college before transferring. If he chooses to sign this year he will have four years to play three on the field.

The Panters may be the first program to extend an offer but they're far from the only program interested.

"Arkansas has called, Tennessee has called and Louisiana-Lafayette has called," he said.

FIU may be the first school to have extend an offer but this isn't exactly his first opportunity to play at the FBS level.

Southern Miss offered him a preferred walk-on offer out of high school, an opportunity that he seriously considered, even taking an official visit to the Hattiesburg campus.

Other schools that Brauchle is interested in include Baylor, Cincinnati, East Carolina and Mississippi.

"Playing early and getting a good education are my priorities," he said. "Having an idea environment is also important."

All of those things will play not only into where he signs but even if he signs this year. Returning to Gulf Coast for his sophomore season is an option if the right fit isn't there this year.